~ Knock, knock ~

A light knocking sound resounded from the door to Kailan’s room. The door opened slowly as Eva peaked her head in. “Safe to come in?”

“It’s a bit late to ask that when you’re already peering in the doorway…” Kailan chuckled at Eva.

“You seem to be feeling better?” Eva strode into the room confidently with a smile.

“I guess. It’s a lot to take in though.” Kailan smiled back as he self-mockingly laughed.

“Well, I have some good news. Turns out both of your parents and siblings are fine. In fact, your dad is a Hunter that works for the bureau and your brother and sister are also Hunters, they work for two of the guilds here in Indy.” Eva sat down next to Kailan’s bedside as she shared what she had found out.

Kailan wasn’t quite sure what to feel. He felt relieved, sad, happy, confused. There were just too many emotions going through his heart right now. He had long since grown used to the idea that his family was gone and he wouldn’t see them again, so when he found out they may still be alive he did worry that something still might have happened. After all, it had been 10 years here and that was a long time, enough time for anything to happen.

“So you called them?” Kailan inquired.

“The research assistant that helped me track them down is calling your parents right now. We’ll see if we need to call your siblings as that would require different channels since they're guilded.”

“Guilded?” It was a word he didn’t recognize.

“Oh right, let me explain. Earlier Director Morris explained to you that the Hunters Bureau is a branch of the UN that monitors the dungeons and Hunters. Mostly employing civilians with a minimal government or military presence to oversee things.”

Kailan nodded in affirmation.

“Under the bureaus there are Guilds. These are founded by powerful Hunters as a sort of association for them to work at. They’re more like businesses though. They’re sanctioned by the Hunters Bureau and they employ both Hunters and Normies. The Normies normally play a desk role in the company while the Hunters raid. Oh, Normies is a term we use for non-Hunters by the way. Ultimately it’s a Hunter run business for the purpose of raiding dungeons, collecting resources and then bringing them back for research and sale.”

“I see. So the Hunters gather together and found a guild and then they organize the raiding and management of the dungeons in their area.” Kailan seemed to get it. It was a sort of hierarchy and separation of responsibilities. The Bureaus would manage the Hunters and their connection with the government and society, while the Guilds would manage the dungeons keeping them in check.

“Sort of, yeah. The guilds have a contract with the bureau. It’s sort of like a mutual benefits contract to ensure stability as well as safety. Introducing new materials and resources into the market can be just as dangerous as creatures flooding out of a dungeon that wasn’t properly managed. So the Bureau protects the interests of the nation as well as international interests, and the guilds ensure the safety of the local population and the nation itself if necessary. You know that dungeons can ‘break’ open and form Fields right?”

“Yeah. When the invasion limit timer ends the dungeon collapses and the gates on both sides connect directly feeding the influence of the invading realm into the defending realm. This forms a Field and a Field Gate. The only way to prevent that is to either destroy or capture the dungeon.” Kailan was very knowledgeable about how the realms and Gaia worked.

“Right, we call them Dungeon Breaks. Guilds help to protect against that by sending in teams to conquer the dungeons. You really do know a lot about the dungeons don’t you?” Eva tried to pry a little. She was also curious about what all Kailan could tell them.

“Like I said earlier. I can’t really talk about much.” Kailan went back to being tight-lipped.

“There’s some kind of rule or restriction preventing you from saying too much isn’t there? Gaia seems to be the same.” Eva had heard the theories of many scientists on the matter of Gaia and the dungeons. She knew there was a consensus among them that Gaia is restricted somehow and that is why she only provides certain pieces of information but not all of it.

“I wouldn’t say restricted. And there aren’t any rules that prevent me from speaking. But there is a certain will that restricts Gaia so I don’t want to talk too much in defiance of that will. Maybe I can say more later. But I can’t now.” Kailan spoke apologetically. He understood why both Director Morris and Eva kept trying to ask him more about Gaia and everything surrounding her. It was human nature to be curious. And it involved the future of the entire world let alone the realm.

“I understand. But when you can talk, make sure I’m the first one you talk to. I’m sort of a Gaia and dungeon buff. I love watching the scientific debates on the subject.” Eva didn’t seem to be depressed at not getting a real answer. Instead she seemed even more excited.

“There’s even a scientific debate?” Kailan was amused.

“Oh yeah. There are so many scientists speculating on Gaia and the dungeons and the other realms. So many researchers are looking into the materials and resources that come through. Even though a lot of bad things happened because of the Merger, it sparked life into the world as much as destruction. So many people’s lives were changed, some for worse, some for better but most got a little of both.”

“What about you?”

At Kailan’s harmless inquiry, Eva became quiet and sullen. Her head drooped a bit as her expression dropped. It was obvious to him that he shouldn’t have asked so flippantly.

“Sorry. That was rude. So when should we expect my parents?” Kailan redirected the conversation.

“Soon. I’ll go check.” Eva gave a slight smile and excused herself from the room.

“Sigh… That was stupid. Geez Kailan, a thousand years away from Earth and you suddenly lose your tact.” Kailan berated himself as he shook his head. He wondered what had happened to Eva, but he knew it was rude to dig when someone clearly doesn’t want to talk.

“I guess it’s a waiting game.” He turned his attention back to the open window, wondering what his family must have gone through, what they were like now and how he should react to them. They probably thought he was dead just like he thought of them up until a little while ago. “It was probably devastating.”

Outside the door to Kailan’s room, Eva stood slouched as she held the door knob, afraid that if she let go she might collapse. “Stupid. It’s been so long and a simple question can make me fall down?” She was also berating herself.

Tears started to well up in her eyes but she tried hard to hold them back.

“Ms. Eva.” The research assistant called out down the hall when he saw Eva standing there. He was a bit confused at her appearance. “Is everything alright?” He rushed down the hall to her.

Eva wiped the tears from her face and straightened up. “It’s fine. What is it?”

The research assistant knew she was lying but he wouldn’t be so rude as to pry. It wasn’t his place. “I was able to get a hold of Mr. Jones' parents and they’re on their way. They said they were able to get ahold of his brother and he would meet them here. His sister however is presently in a dungeon so they weren’t able to contact her but they were able to get ahold of one of the guild’s managers and she said she would let the sister know once she exited the dungeon.”

“Good work. Page me the moment they arrive.”

“Yes mam.” The research assistant returned down the hall he had come from and around a corner.

Eva took a deep breath and put on her brightest smile before re-entering Kailan’s room.

“You didn’t even knock this time. Judging by your smile it must be good news?” Kailan joked to start the mood light. He was trying to remember tact as he spoke.

“We were able to get ahold of your parents and brother and they are on their way. Your sister entered a dungeon recently so it’ll be a while before she exits. But her guild has been informed so they’ll let her know then.” Eva replied with gusto.

“Hah, that’s good. When will they arrive?” Kailan felt relieved that they were able to contact them but he was also a bit nervous. It had been a long time since he was nervous about anything.

“They should be here soon. I’ll be paged the moment they arrive. Just to be safe, let's go over your cover story and the do’s and don'ts.” Eva seemed to come back to life as she put 110% into her job.

“Alright.” Kailan didn’t argue. This was probably how she coped so he played along.

Twenty minutes later Eva was paged on the intercom. Kailan’s family had arrived.

“Wait here a minute and I’ll be back.” Eva got up from her seat in a rush and darted out of the door.

“Where exactly am I going to go?” Kailan chuckled. He was glad that she seemed to cheer up. At least he could help her to feel better after his earlier blunder.

Eva entered the main elevator and pressed the button for the lobby. There were two lobbies, one on the east side of the building and one on the south. The east side was mainly for business use and the south was for visitors. Since this involved a Returnee it qualified as business.

After Eva exited the elevator she proceeded to the reception desk and was pointed to Kailan’s family by the receptionist. A middle-aged woman and what appeared to be her husband as well as a young man all stood up at the same time. The middle-aged woman looked like she had been crying as her face was red and puffy. But she still stood up strongly.

Eva approached the group and asked. “Are you Mr. and Mrs. Jones and Elias Jones?”

“Yes! They said my son was alive?” Maria seemed slightly frantic as if she was grasping onto one last straw of hope.

“Yes mam. Your son Kailan was the Returnee from a couple weeks ago that I’m sure you’ve heard about in the news. I apologize for not contacting you sooner but he was unconscious during that time and we were only able to confirm his identity today.” Eva confirmed with a bright smile.

“Oh my god! My Kailan…” Maria broke down into tears as she covered half of her face. Edward held her shoulder as he tried to retain his straight face and Elias gripped his hands tightly as he clenched. He was trying his hardest not to help his mother flood the front lobby. It took Maria a minute to collect herself.

“Please. If you’ll come with me I’ll take you to him.” Eva held out her hand in a welcoming manner towards the elevator she had exited.

Maria, Edward and Elias entered the elevator with Eva. They were all three very nervous. Up until half an hour ago they had accepted the fact that Kailan was dead. They never dreamed that one day he would appear out of nowhere alive and well.

The elevator door opened and Eva led them down a long hallway. As they walked, time seemed to slow for the Jones family. It felt like an eternity. Finally they reached a door and Eva proceeded to open it, inviting them in.

As they walked through the door, they saw a young man sitting in bed staring out of an open window. Light flowed in from outside and it bathed him as if the heavens themselves approved his presence. The young man slowly turned towards them. His face was so familiar. It was older but still retained some of his boyish charm. There was no mistaking it, he was their son and little brother.

“Kai…” Maria eked out as tears began to fall like a fountain once again.

“Mom… It really is you.” Kailan stated in surprise.

“Oh, my Kailan!” Maria yelled out and ran towards Kailan, diving into a hug. Kailan wrapped his arms around her warily. He was shocked and didn’t quite know how to feel, but he knew that he had to at least seem happy. He was still trying to adapt and wrap his mind around the fact that his family was standing right in front of him after all this time.

Edward and Elias walked over to the other side of the bed and joined them in a family hug. They stayed like this for several minutes before anyone would let go of Kailan. Eva just stood and watched. It brought a tear to her eye to see a family reunited. After the Merger, peaceful times were rare. It was for brief moments like this that Eva worked in the Rescue Division of the Hunters Bureau.

“How are you? Are you hurt? Where did you go?” Maria proceeded to ask question after question, Kailan just sat there. He slowly formed a smile as he adapted.

“Mom, I’m fine. I was pulled away to another realm just like any other Returnee.” He told her.

“Kai…” Elias didn’t know what to say. He was just so happy to have his little brother back. When Kailan disappeared it nearly broke their entire family. He was a centerpiece that held a major position in each of their hearts. It felt stifling and unbearable to lose him.

“Wow, the speechless Elias. Never thought my big brother would ever run out of words to say. And dad, what's with that look. You look like a dead fish being dragged out of the ocean. How can a handsome guy look so ridiculous?” Kailan joked as he looked around at everyone remembering their faces.

It was true that if you wear a certain expression the mood would take over eventually. As he sat there faking his smile, it slowly became true, and his heart started to burn with happiness.

Just as his father was about to rebuke him for being insensitive, the door to the room opened and Douglas walked in. When he looked towards the crowded bed his face turned sour. “How can an entire family be so good looking? It’s not fair!” He thought.

“What is it Douglas?” Eva smoothed out her grin and returned to business.

“The press conference is set for 11. Everything’s been arranged.” Douglas responded despondently.

“Press conference?” Maria turned and asked.

“Ah yes, I haven’t had the chance to speak to you about this. As per our protocol, information about Kailan was released to the media around 10 minutes ago. And before you leave we need Kailan to make an appearance for the press at a conference that the Director will host. We would also like to ask your entire family to be present with Kailan.” Eva explained energetically.

Maria wasn’t happy that Kailan had to deal with nosy reporters. “What? Kailan has just come back to us. He’s been through a lot. Why does he have to…”

“Mom, it’s fine. They already talked to me about it and I agreed. We just have to appear for the cameras anyway, so it’s no big deal.” Kailan stopped his mother. He knew how overprotective she could be in the past, now she would probably be even worse considering the circumstances.

“Kailan is correct. He nor you have to say anything to the press. You only have to appear before them. The public’s interest in the first Returnee in 5 years has become an international issue so we’re receiving a lot of pressure on this. After your appearance this once, Douglas and I will handle any future media related to Kailan including keeping them away if that is your wish.” Eva tried to placate Mrs. Jones, she understood where she was coming from but there was a bigger picture that she had to accept as a member of the Hunters Bureau.

“You’ll be keeping the media away in the future?” Maria questioned.

“It’s our job as Kailan’s watchers.” Eva responded with a nod

“Wait. You’re going to be his watcher?” Elias asked with an inquisitive look.

“That’s right. Both I and Douglas have been assigned as Kailan’s watchers.”

“He’s getting two watchers? I thought you two were a part of the Rescue Division, when did you join the Monitoring Division?” Elias was actually familiar with Eva and Douglas. They were the 3rd Rescue Team and appeared at many of the dungeon and Hunter related incidents. In fact he had seen them in person several times before.

“We were transferred recently. So the Director thought it would be a good experience to act as watchers for the newest Returnee.” Eva responded smoothly.

“I see…” Elias was still skeptical but he didn’t press any further.

“In any case, we won’t have to leave for another 20 minutes so why don’t you all catch up. We’ll come back when it’s time.” Eva pushed Douglas out of the door before closing it behind her to give them some privacy.

“They’re an odd couple…” Edward lightly commented.

“Yeah, they are.” Kailan agreed.

They spent the next twenty minutes just talking about life. Maria and Elias tried to pry into what Kailan had gone through in the other realm, but were unsuccessful. Every time they asked something about where he had been or what he was doing, he would dodge the question or redirect the conversation to something else.

But the time for the interview came quickly.